PHOENIX – This is the first year Jack Cust has arrived at spring training secure in his standing with a major league team.

So it’s no wonder the A’s designated hitter was in a jovial mood Sunday when he showed up at Papago Park and joined his teammates for batting practice.

Cust, 29, has been part of a major league opening-day roster just once in his 11-year professional career – in 2004 with Baltimore. But after he was acquired from San Diego last May and led the A’s with 26 homers and 82 RBIs, he is a central figure in Oakland’s plans.

Before last season, Cust had appeared in just 70 major league games, with four organizations.

“It’s cool,” Cust said. “It feels like home. Last year when I came in, the guys treated me good. This year, with all the new faces, I’m going to try to make the other guys feel as comfortable as they made me feel.”

Cust’s off-season took a rocky turn when his name surfaced in the Mitchell report, linking him to steroid use. He has denied ever using performance-enhancing substances.

The negative publicity didn’t prevent Cust from enjoying what he said was his best off-season in terms of preparation.

“I’m definitely in a situation I’ve never been in,” he said. “It’s a little bit easier to work (because) I knew where I was going.”

Cust and most of the A’s other position players already are in camp, though their mandatory reporting date is Wednesday. Among the notables yet to arrive are third baseman Eric Chavez and shortstop Bobby Crosby.

• In Kirk Saarloos’ previous stint with the A’s, he pitched as both a starter and a reliever, and he won’t be picky about his role if he makes the 25-man roster this spring.

The right-hander signed a minor league deal in January and was invited to big league camp. His experience would seem to make him a strong candidate for the fifth starter’s spot, but he faces a lot of competition.

“I know what I’m getting into,” Saarloos said. “If they look at me as a starter, which I’d like to do, perfect. If they look at me in a role like I did before, so be it.”

Saarloos was 19-17 in 70 appearances (48 starts) with the A’s in 2004-06. In January 2007, he was traded to Cincinnati, which tried to use him in late-inning relief. Saarloos never took to it, posting a 7.17 ERA in 34 appearances overall.

Manager Bob Geren said Saarloos will start with “a fresh slate” in his bid for a starting role.

“I know (Saarloos) is going to throw strikes and he’s got a lot of confidence on the mound,” Geren said.

• Geren was eager to get a look at right-hander Henry Rodriguez, who arrived late to camp because of visa problems. “He’s supposed to throw close to 100 (mph),” Geren said of Rodriguez, who pitched for Class A Kane County last season.

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